The 5 Tests You Can Perform With Pico Automotive’s Oscilloscope Diagnostics
When it comes to automotive diagnosis, picoscope automotive diagnostic is one of the most prominent diagnostic tools used by car mechanics across the world. With Picoscope automotive software you can perform several tests for quick analysis and troubleshooting problems. There is a variety of tests one can do with the latest pico automotive’s oscilloscope diagnostic devices.
Here we’ve listed 5 such tests and how to perform them:
Test 1: Relative Compression – Gasoline
This test compares engine cylinder conditions by examining the electrical current drawn by the starting motor while the engine is cranking.
To conduct this test follow the steps:
- Attach the high amp current clamp around the positive battery cable. Check that the clamp is properly oriented in relation to the current flow out from the battery.
- Start the Picoscope Automotive software
- The waveform depicts the amperage required to start the engine, which is typically between 100 and 300 amps. When the waveform settles down post initial inertia to a consistent “sawtooth” pattern, analyse the waveform using to evaluate a drop in compression. Analysis if the cylinder is losing compression, then with a low amp current clamp test the injection or coil to understand which cylinder is creating a problem.
Test 2: Coil-on-plug - secondary voltage (probe)
The PicoScope COP and Signal probe will be used to analyse and analyse the secondary voltage waveform from a Coil on Plug (COP) ignition equipment.
To conduct this test follow the steps:
- The PicoScope COP and Signal probe will be used to analyse and analyse the secondary voltage waveform from a Coil on Plug (COP) ignition equipment.
- For this test, the engine must be running. To collect the signal, start PicoScope Automotive and position the end of the COP probe on top of the coil pack. There should be a clear signal.
- The wave will help you see the “burn time” from the spark plug. It also displays the period of coil oscillation. Use the given rulers to compare various coil packs by measuring different portions of the waveform.
TEST 3: CRD (Bosch) solenoid injector circuit current
The goal of this test is to measure the actuation current in a Bosch-type Common Rail Diesel (CRD) solenoid injector circuit under a variety of engine load and demand situations.
To conduct this test follow the steps:
- Connect the PicoScope Automotive Channel A to the low amp clamp.
- Turn on the scope to monitor live data, then turn on the engine and let it idle.
- Vary the accelerator pedal to view the injector waveforms at idle, part load, full load, and overrun.
- Examine your waveform using the Waveform Buffer, Zoom, and Measurements tools.
TEST 4: Lambda (oxygen) sensor testing
The goal of this test is to assess the reaction time and output voltage of a zirconia lambda sensor under engine run circumstances.
To conduct this test follow the steps:
- Using the car wiring diagram, locate the sensor signal circuit and attach PicoScope Automotive Channel A to it.
- Start the engine and let it warm up to normal operating temperature before allowing it to idle.
- Launch the scope to view live data.
- Examine your waveform using the Waveform Buffer, Zoom, and Measurements tools.
TEST 5: Crankshaft and camshaft position sensor comparison
The goal of this test is to directly compare the waveforms and characteristics of the Crankshaft position (CKP) and Camshaft position (CMP) sensors.
To conduct this test follow the steps:
- Identify the crankshaft and camshaft sensor signal circuits using the manufacturer's data. PicoScope Automotive Channel A should be connected to the crankshaft circuit, and PicoScope Automotive Channel B should be connected to the camshaft circuit.
- Start the scope to see real-time data, then start the engine and let it idle.
- Examine your waveform with the Waveform Buffer, Zoom, and Measurements tools.
Thus, through the usage of picoscope automotive’s Oscilloscope Diagnostics, a number of more important tests can be conducted to easily diagnose and fix problems. Picoscope automotive is fairly easy to learn, even with beginner-level skills one can easily use it by following the steps.

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